Washington Commanders No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels’ NFL career has gotten off to a strong start. Through his first two games, he’s on pace to rush for over 1,000 yards and break the record for most rushing yards by a rookie quarterback.
However, so far during tonight’s “Monday Night Football” contest against the Cincinnati Bengals, Daniels has showcased his rushing and passing abilities. Let’s see how the football world is reacting to Daniels and the Commanders’ strong play.
Daniels, Commanders Thriving in First Half of Monday Night Football Game Against Bengals
Shortly before halftime, Daniels had a terrific 55-yard pass to veteran wide receiver Terry McLaurin to set up touchdown (which Daniels ran in).
Daniels made a perfect throw, hitting McLaurin in stride. ESPN’s Mina Kimes was excited to see Daniels throwing impressive go passes again, just as we saw during his incredible collegiate career at LSU, which culminated in a Heisman-Trophy-winning season.
FINALLY there's the Jayden Daniels go ball we know and love!!!!!!!!!!
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) September 24, 2024
Others were excited to see Daniels and McLaurin get on the same page, as they struggled to connect during the first two weeks of the season.
With that said, McLaurin has been a consummate pro, supporting the rookie quarterback and having his back while addressing reporters.
Terry McLaurin said “I’m a vet I need to be patient and be here for Jayden” when asked where his numbers have been.
That Patience shows off with a a beautiful ball from Daniels 🎯 get ready to see this all year long 🫡 #Commanders pic.twitter.com/7WqvmvxGu5
— Nate Kissell Sports News (@NFL_NateKissell) September 24, 2024
Throughout the offseason and training camp, McLaurin raved about Daniels’ work ethic, leadership, and talent. It’s clear the two have developed a strong bond, even if it has taken a few games to translate to the field.
With Daniels thriving, some saw this as a perfect time to take a victory lap on having him as the top QB in the 2024 NFL Draft.
While it’s still very early in the season (much less their careers), Daniels has certainly gotten off to the strongest start of any quarterback in this rookie class.
Jayden Daniels is, and has always been QB1 in this draft.
I got dragged 6 months ago alllll over this app with thousands of people saying the wildest shit to me because of it. I kept ALL the receipts.
We will all be watching him play for a long time. Enjoy it. 🤝
— Kurt Benkert (@KurtBenkert) September 24, 2024
Daniels is no stranger to thriving on the biggest stage and when the pressure is on.
Former NFL safety and current analyst Darius Butler raved about Daniels’ play, saying he knew he the rookie would step up and have big game in front of the national audience on prime-time television.
I knew the kid would shine under the bright lights!
Jayden Daniels is the real deal!
— Darius Butler (@DariusJButler) September 24, 2024
One funny tweet compared the play of Daniels to fellow LSU product Joe Burrow, saying that the Commanders rookie has been the best quarterback on the field thus far.
Jayden Daniels is the best LSU QB on the field pic.twitter.com/I7BkS5dkWb
— Austin (@ChefTrillie) September 24, 2024
Others are just having fun and enjoying the Jayden Daniels experience.
Jayden Daniels is must watch football
— Tone Digs (@ToneDigz) September 24, 2024
Early in the third quarter, Daniels and the Commanders have a 28-13 lead. Daniels is 10-for-11 for 152 yards and a touchdown through the air, while adding 24 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Meanwhile, Burrow is 14-for-19 for 157 yards and a touchdown. The Bengals are trying to avoid an 0-3 start, while the Commanders are looking to advance to 2-1 on the season.
There’s still a lot of football left to played, so we’ll see if the No. 2 overall pick and his squad can keep up their strong play.